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CNM RESEARCH JOURNAL

Volume no. 15 | DECEMBER 2025
Issue no. 15


Title
AWARENESS, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES ON BREAST CANCER AND BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION AMONG MALE NURSING STUDENTS AT UNIVERSITY OF BATANGAS
Author
Areglado, Mary Jane D, Balanza, Joel Lorence C, Etcobanez, Trixy B, Macatangay, Danica Zyrene S.
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Abstract
Breast cancer awareness and early detection through Breast Self-Examination (BSE) are crucial, yet male participation remains limited. This descriptive-correlational study examined the relationships between demographic factors, awareness, attitudes, and BSE practices among ninety-six (96) male nursing students in Batangas, Philippines. Using a structured questionnaire, data on awareness of risk factors, signs and symptoms, BSE procedures, and attitudes toward barriers, personal responsibility, and social perspectives were collected and analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman’s rho tests. Findings revealed high awareness but inconsistent BSE practice, with nearly half never performing it. Age and year level significantly influenced awareness and attitudes (p ≤ 0.03), while family history had no effect. Perceived barriers negatively correlated with awareness of risk factors (r = –0.34, p < 0.001), and personal responsibility positively correlated with awareness of signs, symptoms, and BSE procedures (p < 0.05). These results emphasize the need for targeted education to reduce barriers and promote consistent BSE practices among male nursing students.
Keywords
Cancer, breast cancer, breast self-examination, descriptive-correlational design, Philippines
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